US20130148063A1 - For: multi-functional device with adjustable reflectivity - Google Patents
For: multi-functional device with adjustable reflectivity Download PDFInfo
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- US20130148063A1 US20130148063A1 US13/374,106 US201113374106A US2013148063A1 US 20130148063 A1 US20130148063 A1 US 20130148063A1 US 201113374106 A US201113374106 A US 201113374106A US 2013148063 A1 US2013148063 A1 US 2013148063A1
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- mirror
- light
- sensor
- glare
- value
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
- G02F1/137—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering
- G02F1/139—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering based on orientation effects in which the liquid crystal remains transparent
- G02F1/1396—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells characterised by the electro-optical or magneto-optical effect, e.g. field-induced phase transition, orientation effect, guest-host interaction or dynamic scattering based on orientation effects in which the liquid crystal remains transparent the liquid crystal being selectively controlled between a twisted state and a non-twisted state, e.g. TN-LC cell
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/02—Rear-view mirror arrangements
- B60R1/08—Rear-view mirror arrangements involving special optical features, e.g. avoiding blind spots, e.g. convex mirrors; Side-by-side associations of rear-view and other mirrors
- B60R1/083—Anti-glare mirrors, e.g. "day-night" mirrors
- B60R1/088—Anti-glare mirrors, e.g. "day-night" mirrors using a cell of electrically changeable optical characteristic, e.g. liquid-crystal or electrochromic mirrors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/12—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
- G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
- G02F1/13306—Circuit arrangements or driving methods for the control of single liquid crystal cells
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R1/00—Optical viewing arrangements; Real-time viewing arrangements for drivers or passengers using optical image capturing systems, e.g. cameras or video systems specially adapted for use in or on vehicles
- B60R1/12—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks
- B60R2001/1253—Mirror assemblies combined with other articles, e.g. clocks with cameras, video cameras or video screens
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a reflective device, more particularly, to such mirror systems having self-dimming mirrors and a viewable monitor placed adjacent to the reflective device for display of numerical and graphical information.
- What is desired is to provide light sensors in automatic mirror control circuits which achieve enhanced performance in response time (in the range of 10 milliseconds or less) and cost benefits relative to previously achieved technology.
- the option of utilizing a touch screen selection and adjustment of the dimming function, as well as a toggle switch and having numerical and graphical displays viewable on monitors located behind the mirror for user information and convenience are desired features. Providing these features will enable manufacturers to offer the comfort and advantages of glare control mirrors to the public at affordable prices.
- the present invention presents a method and process for utilizing commercially available, low cost, silicon-based light-sensing devices in automatically dimming mirror control systems as well as mirrors which may be dimmed by using a touch screen or toggle switch.
- the present invention also provides means for controlling the reflectivity of a mirrored surface of a vehicle rearview mirror which responds to the intensity of brightness of the light impinging on the mirror from a rearward source.
- the mirror provides the user with a numerical LCD display and graphical display of information on a monitor placed adjacent to the reflective device, preferably a thin film transistor (TFT) monitor.
- TFT thin film transistor
- the dimming mirror system of the present invention includes a twisted nematic (TN) LCD electro-optic reflective element, at least one sensor for the ambient light level, at least one sensor for the glare light level condition, and a control circuit that responds to the current ambient and glare light levels which have been measured in order to control the reflectance level of the mirror reflective element. Additionally, a touch screen or toggle switch option is provided for selecting the dimming function.
- the light sensors produce an output that is proportional to the light sensed by the glare and the ambient light sensors.
- the controller generates an output voltage amplitude level commensurate with the glare and ambient light levels sensed, with response times in the 10 millisecond range, such that the mirror reflectivity is adjusted automatically or manually so that the intensity of the reflected light seen by the user is within his/her comfort level.
- the mirror system of the present invention includes an electro-optic reflective element, ambient and glare light sensors, and a circuit that generates appropriate outputs to control the reflectance level of the reflective element.
- This includes a charge accumulation device, a voltage difference sensing device and a controller device.
- the difference sensing device compares an output of the charge accumulation device with a reference.
- the controller device utilizes the measured ambient and glare lights levels to control the reflectance level of the mirror.
- the response time of the controller to the measured light levels including generating an output proportional to the difference between the sensed output of the accumulation device relative to the ambient reference level, is in the range of a fraction of a second.
- the light sensor levels are measured sequentially so that errors due to component variations correspond for both glare and ambient measurements, and track one another. This allows the use of mass-produced silicon sensors and avoids costly efforts to match components. This results in the achieving high dynamic range in the sensing of wide input light levels, utilizing commercial-off-the-shelf light sensors.
- the derivation of the reflectance control output signal may be referenced to the ambient light levels from a forward facing and/or a rearward facing light sensor, or from a value obtained from the amount of light impinging on the rearward facing rearview mirror surface.
- the present invention thus provides a dimmable rearview mirror system incorporating a control that references the brightness of the rearward scene.
- the mirror reflectivity is adjusted to maintain an appropriate and comfortable intensity level of the light shining into the eyes of the user in response to the rearward scene brightness level.
- FIG. 1 is an assembly view of the autodimming mirror of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dimming mirror showing its sandwich construction
- FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing the timing and voltage signals which control the dimming function of the mirror system of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view diagram showing the liquid crystal display device of the present invention and a simplified representation of the liquid crystal molecules when the mirror is fully reflective (Voltage OFF);
- FIG. 5 is an exploded view diagram showing the layer construction of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention and simplified representation of the liquid crystal molecules when the mirror is dimmed (Voltage ON);
- FIG. 6 shows front and top views of the fully assembled auto dimming mirror of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 shows the flowchart for a microprocessor utilized to control the autodimming function.
- FIG. 1 illustrates the mirror reflector assembly 8 of the present invention, and in particular, the rearview mirror support and information display assembly 10 for vehicles.
- Assembly 8 is designed to be secured to the front windshield of a vehicle below the interior roof, suitable for a rearview mirror 12 to be supported on assembly 10 .
- Rearview mirror 12 comprises a dimmable reflective mirror element 12 a housed in mirror housing 12 b .
- mirror 12 contains a video monitor 24 positioned adjacent mirror 12 , monitor 24 , utilized for display of navigational, alphanumeric, and camera images.
- a housing 20 is removably fitted to the mirror backing and includes an information display area 22 having a display element 24 for conveying the aforementioned information to persons inside the vehicle.
- Housing 20 also includes electrical circuitry for operation of the display element 24 , which circuitry includes electrical wiring 26 and a multi-connector 28 for connecting the monitor display to the vehicle's electrical system.
- the vehicle operator is located so as to look outwardly through windshield W and is in position to view rearward images in the mirror element of mirror assembly 12 .
- An instrument panel in the vehicle dashboard is positioned below the windshield W and contains a variety of conventional instruments and displays such as a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, and alternator voltage charging indicator, as well as other instruments such as a clock, radio, CD player, AUX port, SD card slot; heater and air conditioning controls, and so on, which is available to all persons in the vehicle.
- Positioning of the information display 22 next to the viewing position of mirror assembly 12 has the advantage of maintaining an unobstructed view for the vehicle operator.
- PCB 142 is adapted to be mounted on the front edges of interior walls 10 by means of tabs 99 , 101 received in openings 146 (the tabs are connected by a cable having a length of approximately 125 mm to a microprocessor 145 ).
- PCB 142 contains the GPS 144 (PND function) and central processing unit 145 for the autodimming and power management functions, mounted within housing 10 via tabs within opening 146 .
- microprocessor 145 (Signetics CDP 1802; 8-bit microprocessor or an equivalent) is detailed in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 .
- the right end of PCB 142 (as seen by the operator) is the SD card slot module 143 that stores digital map information for the vehicle navigation function.
- Five hard press (soft touch feel) buttons 51 (Volume on/off), 52 (Bluetooth), 53 (Power), 54 (Temperature), 55 (Guidepoint-GPS) are provided to the operator for selection of specific listed features.
- An auxiliary input 56 , microphone 57 , light sensor 59 and speakers 142 are also provided.
- Two openings 58 are provided in the rear of housing 10 to allow egress of sound from the speaker unit, housed in the speaker housing unit 143 .
- Power button 53 functions in two modes, a long press mode (pushing for more than 3 seconds) which turns off the device.
- a short press mode controls the autodimming function manually. With the power on, the default setting is the automatic mode of autodimming, controlled by the glare and light sensor 59 . If the user decides not to use the autodimming function, it is turned off by a short press of button 53 .
- FIG. 2( a ) is an exploded perspective view of dimming mirror 10 showing its sandwich construction and FIG. 2( b ) is a top view of the assembled dimming mirror.
- the incident light impinges on the polarizer film 80 is linearly polarized as it enters the TN-LCD liquid crystal layer 82 .
- the TN-LCD layer 82 rotates the polarization of the light by 90 degrees, and only allows light of the rotated polarization to be transmitted through the LCD layer.
- the light then is reflected from the aluminized back glass ( 84 , 86 ) and reverses path back to the front of the mirror.
- the polarization of the reflected light matches the polarizer film, and the mirror is in the reflective, or light, condition.
- the LCD layer does not cause the polarization to rotate and blocks transmission of the incident polarized light.
- the mirror is in the non-reflecting or dark condition.
- FIG. 3 shows the autodimming activation circuit which operates on the DC input voltage as regulated by the microprocessor 145 , the voltage representing the intensity of the impinging exterior light level. This voltage adjusts the mirror reflectivity by generating a pulse output 162 which turns the mirror dimming to dark or off.
- the input to the circuit is from the glare and ambient as a voltage waveform (labeled “IN+5-15 volts”).
- the input signal is split into five parts which are applied to pins 6 , 2 , 7 , 4 and 8 of integrated circuit U 1 .
- the circuit operates on the level and shape of the input waveforms to produce an output square wave whose peak to peak voltage is applied to the autodimming mirror to control the degree of dimming.
- the output of the circuit shows the voltage waveform that is applied relative to ground plane at four tabs located on the top edge of mirror 12 a (indicated as reference number 61 ) of the conductive metalized reflective layer (i.e., aluminum layer 84 in the exploded view of FIG. 2 a ).
- the mirror glass utilized in the autodimming mirror invention is commonly commercially available glass.
- the metalized reflection coatings for TN mirrors utilize aluminum.
- the LCD (liquid crystal) is commonly available and the same as is used for calculator displays, computer monitors, and similar applications.
- the polarized film 163 is a commercially available polarizer such as may be obtained in the open market for applications such as 3D movies.
- Typical dimensions of the mirror components shown in FIG. 2 are as follows:
- the signal 162 is applied at 64 Hz and voltage applied relative to the ground plane at tabs of the conductive metalized reflective layer (i e aluminum layer 81 shown in FIG. 2 ).
- Tabs 51 - 54 are located at several points around the mirror periphery.
- the right side diagram in FIG. 4 illustrates the TN LCD mechanism in the “voltage on” condition.
- the diagram shows the anisotropic nematic liquid crystal molecules, which behave as electrical dipoles, where the orientation of the dipole in the “voltage on” condition is aligned perpendicular to substrates.
- the incident light is absorbed, and there is minimal reflectivity from the mirror surface, since the polarization of the reflected light is orthogonal to that of the polarizing sheet.
- the LCD is in the dimmed or absorbent state.
- the right side diagram in FIG. 5 illustrates the TN LCD mechanism in the “voltage off” condition.
- the diagram shows the anisotropic nematic liquid crystal molecules, which behave as electrical dipoles, where the orientation of the dipole “twists” by 90 degrees from the top surface to the bottom surface, aligning with the respective direction of the electric fields at the two surfaces.
- the polarization of the incident light follows the polarization of the TN LCDs, so that in the above (voltage off) condition the LCD is in the reflective state.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the front and top views, respectively, of the assembled autodimming mirror 12 of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is the flowchart for the 8-bit microprocessor unit 145 which controls the autodimming function.
- the output from the back scanner (block 103 ) is read (block 102 ); if the value is greater than a first predetermined amount (block 104 ), the system enters into the high gain mode (block 106 ). If the read value is less than the predetermined amount, the system determines if the sensor output is greater than a second predetermined amount (block 110 ) and if so, the system enters into the mid-gain mode (block 108 ).
- the system determines if the sensor output is greater than a third predetermined value (block 112 ); if in the affirmative, the system enters the low gain mode (block 114 ). If the sensor output is less than the third predetermined value, the front sensor (element 115 ) reads the value read by a scanner (block 116 ). The same analysis on the signal from the back sensor (block 103 ) is performed on the signal from the front sensor (block 118 , 120 , 122 , 124 , 126 and 128 ).
- the output from the selected mode is compared (block 130 ) and if the value from the back sensor (element 103 ) is greater than the value from the front sensor (element 115 ), the output from the circuit shown in FIG. 3 is inhibited (block 132 ). If the output from the back sensor is less than the output from the front sensor, an output (PWM) is generated (box 134 ) and the initialization sequence (block 100 ) is restarted.
Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates generally to a reflective device, more particularly, to such mirror systems having self-dimming mirrors and a viewable monitor placed adjacent to the reflective device for display of numerical and graphical information.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- Automatic mirrors which automatically control the glare from bright headlights of rearward sources, or glare from a rearward sun near the horizon, (sun rising or setting) have been available for some time. Methods for controlling the glare reflected in these mirrors have included employment of motorized prismatic mirrors, utilization of liquid crystal shutters and use of electrochromic (EC) mirror reflective elements, wherein the reflectivity of the mirror is controlled via an applied voltage. The major problem with EC based devices is the relatively slow response time of the dimming function to the onset of the bright light source, typically in the range of several seconds. A number of systems have been proposed, such as in U.S. Pat. No. 3,601,614 issued to Platzer Jr. and U.S. Pat. No. 3,600,951 issued to Jordan et al., among others. Examples of control systems utilizing these type of devices include U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,093.
- What is desired is to provide light sensors in automatic mirror control circuits which achieve enhanced performance in response time (in the range of 10 milliseconds or less) and cost benefits relative to previously achieved technology. In addition, the option of utilizing a touch screen selection and adjustment of the dimming function, as well as a toggle switch and having numerical and graphical displays viewable on monitors located behind the mirror for user information and convenience are desired features. Providing these features will enable manufacturers to offer the comfort and advantages of glare control mirrors to the public at affordable prices.
- The present invention presents a method and process for utilizing commercially available, low cost, silicon-based light-sensing devices in automatically dimming mirror control systems as well as mirrors which may be dimmed by using a touch screen or toggle switch. The present invention also provides means for controlling the reflectivity of a mirrored surface of a vehicle rearview mirror which responds to the intensity of brightness of the light impinging on the mirror from a rearward source. In addition, the mirror provides the user with a numerical LCD display and graphical display of information on a monitor placed adjacent to the reflective device, preferably a thin film transistor (TFT) monitor.
- The dimming mirror system of the present invention includes a twisted nematic (TN) LCD electro-optic reflective element, at least one sensor for the ambient light level, at least one sensor for the glare light level condition, and a control circuit that responds to the current ambient and glare light levels which have been measured in order to control the reflectance level of the mirror reflective element. Additionally, a touch screen or toggle switch option is provided for selecting the dimming function. The light sensors produce an output that is proportional to the light sensed by the glare and the ambient light sensors. The controller generates an output voltage amplitude level commensurate with the glare and ambient light levels sensed, with response times in the 10 millisecond range, such that the mirror reflectivity is adjusted automatically or manually so that the intensity of the reflected light seen by the user is within his/her comfort level.
- The mirror system of the present invention includes an electro-optic reflective element, ambient and glare light sensors, and a circuit that generates appropriate outputs to control the reflectance level of the reflective element. This includes a charge accumulation device, a voltage difference sensing device and a controller device. The difference sensing device compares an output of the charge accumulation device with a reference. The controller device utilizes the measured ambient and glare lights levels to control the reflectance level of the mirror. The response time of the controller to the measured light levels, including generating an output proportional to the difference between the sensed output of the accumulation device relative to the ambient reference level, is in the range of a fraction of a second.
- Common integration elements are utilized in the various aspects of the current invention. For example, the light sensor levels are measured sequentially so that errors due to component variations correspond for both glare and ambient measurements, and track one another. This allows the use of mass-produced silicon sensors and avoids costly efforts to match components. This results in the achieving high dynamic range in the sensing of wide input light levels, utilizing commercial-off-the-shelf light sensors.
- The derivation of the reflectance control output signal may be referenced to the ambient light levels from a forward facing and/or a rearward facing light sensor, or from a value obtained from the amount of light impinging on the rearward facing rearview mirror surface.
- Due to the availability of various personal electronic devices, such as PDA's operating systems and CPU processors, various multiple functions such as GPS navigation, blue tooth functions, etc. in a single device housed within the rearview minor assembly.
- The present invention thus provides a dimmable rearview mirror system incorporating a control that references the brightness of the rearward scene. The mirror reflectivity is adjusted to maintain an appropriate and comfortable intensity level of the light shining into the eyes of the user in response to the rearward scene brightness level.
- For a better understanding of the present invention as well as other objects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing therein:
-
FIG. 1 is an assembly view of the autodimming mirror of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the dimming mirror showing its sandwich construction; -
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing the timing and voltage signals which control the dimming function of the mirror system of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is an exploded view diagram showing the liquid crystal display device of the present invention and a simplified representation of the liquid crystal molecules when the mirror is fully reflective (Voltage OFF); -
FIG. 5 is an exploded view diagram showing the layer construction of the liquid crystal display device of the present invention and simplified representation of the liquid crystal molecules when the mirror is dimmed (Voltage ON); -
FIG. 6 shows front and top views of the fully assembled auto dimming mirror of the present invention; and -
FIG. 7 shows the flowchart for a microprocessor utilized to control the autodimming function. -
FIG. 1 illustrates themirror reflector assembly 8 of the present invention, and in particular, the rearview mirror support and information display assembly 10 for vehicles.Assembly 8 is designed to be secured to the front windshield of a vehicle below the interior roof, suitable for arearview mirror 12 to be supported on assembly 10. Rearviewmirror 12 comprises a dimmable reflective mirror element 12 a housed in mirror housing 12 b. In addition,mirror 12 contains avideo monitor 24 positionedadjacent mirror 12,monitor 24, utilized for display of navigational, alphanumeric, and camera images. A housing 20 is removably fitted to the mirror backing and includes an information display area 22 having adisplay element 24 for conveying the aforementioned information to persons inside the vehicle. Housing 20 also includes electrical circuitry for operation of thedisplay element 24, which circuitry includeselectrical wiring 26 and a multi-connector 28 for connecting the monitor display to the vehicle's electrical system. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , the vehicle operator is located so as to look outwardly through windshield W and is in position to view rearward images in the mirror element ofmirror assembly 12. An instrument panel in the vehicle dashboard is positioned below the windshield W and contains a variety of conventional instruments and displays such as a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, and alternator voltage charging indicator, as well as other instruments such as a clock, radio, CD player, AUX port, SD card slot; heater and air conditioning controls, and so on, which is available to all persons in the vehicle. Positioning of the information display 22 next to the viewing position ofmirror assembly 12 has the advantage of maintaining an unobstructed view for the vehicle operator. - Fitted within housing 20 is a wiring harness including electrical wires/cables and
connectors information display element 24 and/or other functions in the supportedrearview mirror assembly 8. PCB 142 is adapted to be mounted on the front edges of interior walls 10 by means oftabs central processing unit 145 for the autodimming and power management functions, mounted within housing 10 via tabs withinopening 146. The functioning of microprocessor 145 (Signetics CDP 1802; 8-bit microprocessor or an equivalent) is detailed in the flowchart shown inFIG. 9 . The right end of PCB 142 (as seen by the operator) is the SDcard slot module 143 that stores digital map information for the vehicle navigation function. Five hard press (soft touch feel) buttons 51 (Volume on/off), 52 (Bluetooth), 53 (Power), 54 (Temperature), 55 (Guidepoint-GPS) are provided to the operator for selection of specific listed features. An auxiliary input 56,microphone 57, light sensor 59 andspeakers 142 are also provided. Twoopenings 58 are provided in the rear of housing 10 to allow egress of sound from the speaker unit, housed in thespeaker housing unit 143.Power button 53 functions in two modes, a long press mode (pushing for more than 3 seconds) which turns off the device. A short press mode controls the autodimming function manually. With the power on, the default setting is the automatic mode of autodimming, controlled by the glare and light sensor 59. If the user decides not to use the autodimming function, it is turned off by a short press ofbutton 53. -
FIG. 2( a) is an exploded perspective view of dimming mirror 10 showing its sandwich construction andFIG. 2( b) is a top view of the assembled dimming mirror. - In the voltage OFF condition, the incident light impinges on the polarizer film 80 is linearly polarized as it enters the TN-LCD
liquid crystal layer 82. The TN-LCD layer 82 rotates the polarization of the light by 90 degrees, and only allows light of the rotated polarization to be transmitted through the LCD layer. The light then is reflected from the aluminized back glass (84,86) and reverses path back to the front of the mirror. In the voltage off condition, the polarization of the reflected light matches the polarizer film, and the mirror is in the reflective, or light, condition. - For the voltage ON condition, the LCD layer does not cause the polarization to rotate and blocks transmission of the incident polarized light. Hence in this voltage condition the mirror is in the non-reflecting or dark condition.
-
FIG. 3 shows the autodimming activation circuit which operates on the DC input voltage as regulated by themicroprocessor 145, the voltage representing the intensity of the impinging exterior light level. This voltage adjusts the mirror reflectivity by generating a pulse output 162 which turns the mirror dimming to dark or off. - The input to the circuit is from the glare and ambient as a voltage waveform (labeled “IN+5-15 volts”). The input signal is split into five parts which are applied to
pins 6, 2, 7, 4 and 8 of integrated circuit U1. The circuit operates on the level and shape of the input waveforms to produce an output square wave whose peak to peak voltage is applied to the autodimming mirror to control the degree of dimming. - The output of the circuit (labeled “OUT” at the extreme right of
FIG. 3 ) shows the voltage waveform that is applied relative to ground plane at four tabs located on the top edge of mirror 12 a (indicated as reference number 61) of the conductive metalized reflective layer (i.e.,aluminum layer 84 in the exploded view ofFIG. 2 a). - The mirror glass utilized in the autodimming mirror invention is commonly commercially available glass. The metalized reflection coatings for TN mirrors utilize aluminum. The LCD (liquid crystal) is commonly available and the same as is used for calculator displays, computer monitors, and similar applications. The polarized film 163 is a commercially available polarizer such as may be obtained in the open market for applications such as 3D movies.
- Typical dimensions of the mirror components shown in
FIG. 2 are as follows: -
- Polarizer film 80: 0.20 mm
- Front glass 81: 0.05 mm
- Liquid crystal layer 82: (thin, in nanometer range)
- Aluminum Coating 84: (thin, in nanometer range)
- Back glass 86: 0.05 mm
- Overall length: 183.50 inches
- Height: 57.60 inches
- Width (depth): 2.60 mm
- The signal 162 is applied at 64 Hz and voltage applied relative to the ground plane at tabs of the conductive metalized reflective layer (i e aluminum layer 81 shown in
FIG. 2 ). Tabs 51-54 are located at several points around the mirror periphery. - The right side diagram in
FIG. 4 illustrates the TN LCD mechanism in the “voltage on” condition. The diagram shows the anisotropic nematic liquid crystal molecules, which behave as electrical dipoles, where the orientation of the dipole in the “voltage on” condition is aligned perpendicular to substrates. In this condition the incident light is absorbed, and there is minimal reflectivity from the mirror surface, since the polarization of the reflected light is orthogonal to that of the polarizing sheet. Hence in the above (voltage off) condition the LCD is in the dimmed or absorbent state. - The right side diagram in
FIG. 5 illustrates the TN LCD mechanism in the “voltage off” condition. The diagram shows the anisotropic nematic liquid crystal molecules, which behave as electrical dipoles, where the orientation of the dipole “twists” by 90 degrees from the top surface to the bottom surface, aligning with the respective direction of the electric fields at the two surfaces. The polarization of the incident light follows the polarization of the TN LCDs, so that in the above (voltage off) condition the LCD is in the reflective state. -
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the front and top views, respectively, of the assembledautodimming mirror 12 of the present invention. -
FIG. 7 is the flowchart for the 8-bit microprocessor unit 145 which controls the autodimming function. In particular, after performing an initialization function (block 100) the output from the back scanner (block 103) is read (block 102); if the value is greater than a first predetermined amount (block 104), the system enters into the high gain mode (block 106). If the read value is less than the predetermined amount, the system determines if the sensor output is greater than a second predetermined amount (block 110) and if so, the system enters into the mid-gain mode (block 108). If the system detects a value less than the second predetermined amount (block 110), the system determines if the sensor output is greater than a third predetermined value (block 112); if in the affirmative, the system enters the low gain mode (block 114). If the sensor output is less than the third predetermined value, the front sensor (element 115) reads the value read by a scanner (block 116). The same analysis on the signal from the back sensor (block 103) is performed on the signal from the front sensor (block 118, 120, 122, 124, 126 and 128). The output from the selected mode is compared (block 130) and if the value from the back sensor (element 103) is greater than the value from the front sensor (element 115), the output from the circuit shown inFIG. 3 is inhibited (block 132). If the output from the back sensor is less than the output from the front sensor, an output (PWM) is generated (box 134) and the initialization sequence (block 100) is restarted. - While the invention has been described with reference to its preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential teachings.
Claims (12)
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